Science Visualized Life

Images probe artery-hardening plaques

Close look reveals which deposits pose heart attack risks

microscope image of plaques in a human artery

HAZARDOUS CLUMPS  The protein collagen (green) coats plaque (red) on the wall of a human artery. These small pockets of plaque are vulnerable to breaking away and possibly triggering a heart attack. 

J.D. Hutcheson et al/Nature Materials 2016

By Tina Hesman Saey

- More than 2 years ago

Collagen, best known as the key protein in skin, also protects against loose bits of plaque that can cause heart attacks.